Claire McCaskill has been known as a trailblazer during her decade in politics. The first woman elected to senate from Missouri, first senator to back Barack Obama for president in 2008, and the first in congress to endorse Hillary Clinton. In another first, McCaskill is the first senator to announce her breast cancer diagnosis.

McCaskill recently revealed her diagnosis via Tumblr, Though she noted that "it's a little scary" she assured her audience that her prognosis is good and she expects a full recovery. In her absence, she intends to post on her Senate website how she would have voted on matters that come before the Senate during her absence and will also be submitting questions in writing for any missed Senate hearings.

Though many senators before her have had to be out of work for extended periods due to health issues, few have been as candid about their health or as assuring regarding keeping up their obligations to taxpayers while away on medical leave.

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